Category | Arts & Living

This week’s movies: theater, home, upcoming

Published on September 11, 2007 by The Sentinel

    A look at this weeks theater, home, and upcoming movie reviews.

‘Talk To Me’  speaks volumes to all
    A week ago, talk show radio host Michael Baisden mentioned the film “Talk To Me” as a must-see, but it was not getting the attention it deserves.  After seeing the film, I agree that this movie deserves more awareness than it is receiving.

    Based on a true story, the film begins in May 1966 in Washington D.C., when Dewey Hughes [Chiwetel Ejiofor] gives ex-convict Petey Greene [Don Cheadle] the chance to work as a disc jockey at WOL-AM. At first, everyone doubts Petey’s potential as a DJ, but Dewey finally invests his time in him. Eventually, the two form a partnership with Dewey becoming Petey’s manager. However, one incident leads them into a huge disagreement that lands them in jail.

    Inside the jail cell, Petey tells Dewey that he can’t always live in fear and depend on others to live his dream. If you have a dream, then you have to pursue it on your own terms. Does Dewey take Petey’s words to heart or do his dreams fade away?

    “Wake up, God damn it!” is the catchphrase of Mr. Petey Greene. Wake up yourself, and go see this film. It is playing in limited release at AMC Barrett Commons 24.

Release Date: Aug. 3, 2007
Grade: A

Out on DVD: ‘300’ Spartans to take home
    This past Friday, I rented “300” because I missed it earlier this year. The film is based on the graphic novel written by Frank Miller. I could tell that Miller, creator of “Sin City,” left his impact on “300.” Both films have dark lighting, utilize special effects and are narrated by male characters.

    After killing the Persian messenger, King Leonidas [Gerard Butler] travels to the Ephors, the priests to the gods, for permission to go to war. The Ephors first demand that they speak to the Oracle. The king turns his back on both the Ephors and the Oracle’s prediction that the war would not be in Sparta’s favor. 

    Overall, I enjoyed viewing the tactics and strategies of the Spartan army. The last battle is the most graphic and illustrious within the film.

    The only negative aspect of this film is apparent throughout: why do some actors have British accents in movies that are based in ancient Greece? This discrepancy has been present in other movies such as “Gladiator,” “Troy,” and “Alexander.”

    Nevertheless, the themes and elements of these films, including “300,” is enjoyable.

Release Date: March 9, 2007
Grade: A-

Coming Soon: The Brothers Solomon
    “The Brothers Solomon” is about two brothers, Dean [Will Forte] and John Solomon [Will Arnett], whose main goal is to find someone to have a baby with. Because their father isolates them from the world by homeschooling them, the boys lack the social skills necessary to hold a conversation with any girl. However, they are determined to fulfill their father’s dying wish: to have a grandchild. What follows are attempts at fatherhood that go hysterically and disastrously wrong.

CAST: Will Forte (“Saturday Night Live”), Will Arnett (“Blades of Glory”), Chi McBride (“Roll Bounce”, “I Robot”, “The Terminal”), Malin Akerman (“Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”) and Kristen Wiig (“Knocked Up”, “Saturday Night Live”).

Release Date: Sept. 7, 2007
Rating: R